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DSDC Debate & Public Speaking Blog

Expert insights on debate, public speaking, and education from our award-winning coaches.

Competitive DebateMarch 13, 202618 min read

The Complete Guide to High School Debate in Canada

Everything you need to know about competitive debate in Canada - organizations, formats, tournaments, the path to nationals, and how students can get started from scratch.

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Parents & Resources8 min read

Best Extracurriculars for University Applications in Canada

A practical guide for Canadian parents and students on which extracurricular activities actually strengthen university applications — and why debate consistently ranks among the top choices.

Apr 18, 2026Read
Student Tips10 min read

Debate Terminology Every Beginner Should Know

A clear glossary of the 25 most essential debate terms for new students and parents — motions, rebuttal, POIs, formats, and tournament vocabulary explained.

Apr 15, 2026Read
Competitive Debate9 min read

What Is CNDF Debate? A Complete Guide to the Canadian National Debate Format

A plain-English explainer of CNDF — the flagship high school debate format used at Canadian Nationals and at provincial tournaments across Canada. Team structure, speech order, motions, judging, and how to get started.

Apr 15, 2026Read
Competitive Debate8 min read

What Is Cross-Examination Debate? A Complete Guide to the CX Format

Cross-Examination debate explained in plain English — team structure, questioning periods, case construction, evidence use, strategy, and how CX compares to British Parliamentary, World Schools, and CNDF.

Apr 15, 2026Read
Competitive Debate7 min read

What Is Junior WSDC? A Parent's Guide to Junior World Schools Debate

Junior World Schools Debate explained for parents — who the format is for, how it differs from senior World Schools, speech timings, motions, and how younger students can start training for international-style debate.

Apr 15, 2026Read
Competitive Debate9 min read

What Is World Schools Debate? A Complete Guide to the Format

The World Schools Debating Format explained — how prepared and impromptu motions work, team roles, speech timings, style expectations, and why so many Canadian debaters compete in it internationally.

Apr 15, 2026Read
Parents & Resources6 min read

Debate Summer Camps in BC (2026)

A guide to debate summer camps and programs in British Columbia for 2026 — what's available, what to look for, and how to keep your child's debate skills sharp over the summer.

Apr 11, 2026Read
Parents & Resources8 min read

How Debate Improves Writing and Academic Performance

Debate is a speaking activity — but its biggest payoff is academic. How it improves essay structure, critical reading, research skills, and exam performance.

Apr 8, 2026Read
Parents & Resources7 min read

Debate vs Model UN: Which Is Right for Your Child?

A fair comparison of competitive debate and Model United Nations — how they differ, what skills each builds, and how to decide which activity is the best fit for your child.

Apr 4, 2026Read
Parents & Resources8 min read

What Does a Debate Class Actually Look Like?

A minute-by-minute walkthrough of a typical DSDC debate class — warm-up, lecture, case building, practice round, and feedback — plus answers to common first-class fears.

Apr 1, 2026Read
Getting Started7 min read

How to Start a Debate Club at Your School in BC

A BC-specific, step-by-step guide for teachers and students who want to launch a debate club at their British Columbia school — covering BCDSS, SFU/UBC tournaments, and the local debate calendar. (For a general, non-BC guide, see our student-POV version.)

Mar 31, 2026Read
Student Tips8 min read

How to Write a Debate Case (Step-by-Step)

A step-by-step guide to writing a strong debate case — from analyzing the resolution and researching evidence to structuring your arguments and preparing for rebuttal.

Mar 27, 2026Read
Student Tips7 min read

How to Win Your First Debate Tournament

Practical tips for first-time competitors — from preparation and partner strategy to managing nerves, learning from losses, and what experienced debaters wish they'd known before their first tournament.

Mar 20, 2026Read
Student Tips9 min read

How to Start a Debate Club at Your School

A general student-POV step-by-step guide to starting a debate club at any school — finding a sponsor, recruiting members, picking a format, and running meetings. (For BC-specific tournament details, see our BC-focused guide.)

Mar 18, 2026Read
Student Tips7 min read

What Judges Look for in a Debate Round

A behind-the-scenes look at how debate judges evaluate speakers — from argument structure and evidence to delivery, engagement, and the mistakes that cost teams rounds.

Mar 17, 2026Read
Parents & Resources6 min read

How Debate Helps Your Child Get Into Ivy League Universities

Why debate stands out in Ivy League admissions by developing intellectual rigor, communication, leadership, resilience, and the kind of stories selective universities remember.

Mar 15, 2026Read
Parents & Resources12 min read

Best Debate Programs in Vancouver for Kids (2026)

A practical guide to the best debate programs Vancouver parents should compare, including coaching credentials, class size, feedback quality, online flexibility, and why DSDC serves families across Canada.

Mar 13, 2026Read
Student Tips5 min read

Debate Classes for Shy Kids: Why Introverts Actually Thrive

Why shy and introverted kids often thrive in structured debate classes, and how beginner programs build confidence without overwhelming them. (For at-home confidence-building strategies, see our guide for parents of shy children.)

Mar 13, 2026Read
Parents & Resources5 min read

How Debate Helps with University Admissions in Canada

Why debate strengthens university applications in Canada by building critical thinking, communication, leadership, and resilience - plus where to start.

Mar 13, 2026Read
Parents & Resources5 min read

Online vs. In-Person Debate Classes: Which Is Better for Your Child?

A side-by-side look at online and in-person debate classes, covering coaching quality, class size, feedback, flexibility, and what matters most for families.

Mar 13, 2026Read
Competitive Debate6 min read

A Parent's Guide to Competitive Debate in BC

A practical guide for BC parents on debate formats, tournaments, Provincials, Nationals, and how to help a child get started in competitive debate.

Mar 13, 2026Read
Public Speaking7 min read

Public Speaking Tips for Kids: A Parent's Guide

A parent's overview of how kids build public speaking skills — nerves, structure, delivery, and choosing the right program. (For hands-on home exercises, see our dedicated activities guide.)

Mar 6, 2026Read
Parents & Resources9 min read

What to Look for When Choosing a Debate Program

Nine things worth checking before you enroll your child in any debate program — coach credentials, class size, feedback, pricing, tournament support, and more.

Mar 5, 2026Read
Competitive Debate7 min read

What Is British Parliamentary Debate? A Beginner's Guide

Everything you need to know about British Parliamentary (BP) debate — the four-team format used at universities worldwide and increasingly in Canadian high school competitions.

Feb 27, 2026Read
Parent Tips8 min read

How to Help a Shy Child Build Confidence Speaking

A practical, empathetic guide for parents of shy or introverted kids: how to build speaking confidence at home before (or alongside) enrolling in classes. (For why debate classes specifically help introverts, see our companion post.)

Feb 25, 2026Read
Parent Tips7 min read

Public Speaking Activities for Kids You Can Do at Home

Nine practical speaking activities you can do with your child tonight — from topic talks to family debate night — as a companion to our broader parent's guide to public speaking.

Feb 11, 2026Read
Parents & Pricing4 min read

How Much Should Debate Classes Cost? Unveiling Transparency in Debate Coaching

At most academies, debate coaching tuition is shrouded in secrecy. We believe transparency is key — here's what fair pricing looks like and how to avoid predatory price gouging.

Jan 25, 2025Read
Competitive Debate5 min read

How to Qualify for the Canadian Nationals Debate Tournament

A step-by-step guide for junior and senior students to qualify for Canada's most prestigious high school debate competition — from regional tournaments to the national stage.

Jan 23, 2025Read
Competitive Debate4 min read

Understanding High School Debate Formats in Canada

A guide to the four major debate formats used in Canadian high school competitions — CNDF, British Parliamentary, Cross-Examination, and World Schools — and how they challenge students differently.

Jan 22, 2025Read
World Scholar's Cup7 min read

Exploring the World Scholar's Cup: A Global Competition for Future Leaders

Everything you need to know about the World Scholar's Cup — from Scholar's Bowl to the Tournament of Champions at Yale. Learn how DSDC maintains a 100% qualification rate.

Jan 21, 2025Read
Student Tips5 min read

Mastering the Art of Studying: Effective Techniques to Save Time and Boost Learning

Stop studying harder and start studying smarter. Learn three scientifically proven techniques — spaced repetition, the Pomodoro Method, and active recall — to maximize your learning.

Jan 20, 2025Read
Public Speaking5 min read

The Transformative Benefits of Improving Public Speaking Skills

Public speaking is the most common fear — but starting young changes everything. Discover how developing this skill boosts confidence, academic success, and career prospects.

Jan 18, 2025Read